NSW set to back same-sex marriage

Published: 30 July 2013

NSW could become the first Australian State to legalise same-sex marriage after an inquiry found NSW has the power to introduce its own law. But a legal challenge is likely, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.

A group of MPs from across the political spectrum have redrafted a Same Sex Marriage Bill that will be introduced in the upper house of the NSW parliament in the next session. Premier Barry O'Farrell has promised a conscience vote on the issue, and is the first Liberal leader to do so.

''Submissions in favour of reform came from across the community - parents, clergy, health and mental health organisations, and prominent individuals from all sides,' independent MP Alex Greenwich said.

The cross party working group, including Mr Greenwich, Labor MP Penny Sharpe, Nationals MP Trevor Khan, and the Greens Mehreen Faruqi, said they are confident their private members bill 'is constitutionally valid and would withstand any challenge to the High Court.'